Aged eight toseventeen, the 210boys in the choircome fromdifferent cultural backgroundsbutshare a common passionfor singing, where, through the mastery of the repertoire, they discoverthe great polyphonic worksfrom all periodsand from all countries.Their repertoire rangesfrom Gregorian chant tocontemporary choral works.” (Transl. Marc Paré, ed.)

“CANTICUM NOVUM was formed in 1984, in Bogota City, Colombia, by Psychologist and Professor Dr. Ramiro Alvarez Cuadros. For many years the choir was conducted by Master Luis Torres Zuleta.

Professionals of the most diverse disciplines make up the choir, united by a passion for Gregorian Chant and the desire to study it seriously and to make it known.

The chorus name was taken from the first words of Psalm 97 that begins: CANTATE DOMINO CANTICUM NOVUM. The subtitle "Schola Cantorum Bogotensis" refers to Bogota City, where it was founded and currently functions.

The chorus interprets this Gregorian chant, named for Pope Saint Gregory the Great, using the notation of the 11th century that consists of neumes or groups of notes arranged on staves of four lines. It recognizes the rhythmic technique of the Abbey of Saint Peter of Solesmes, the institution to which Pope Saint Pius X entrusted the restoration of chant for the liturgy (1903). …

With this in mind, Canticum Novum has presented instructional concerts at universities and has participated in choral music festivals. It is within the Liturgy of the Church, however, (in Masses, in Requiems, at an Ordination, for a wedding anniversary, etc.), that the Spirit inspires the singers to give their best. Without doubt, Gregorian Chant was written for use in the Liturgy of the Church.”